Power supply system and vehicle including the same, and method of controlling power supply system

ABSTRACT

When a mode signal from a running mode control unit indicates a charge depleting (CD) mode, a CD mode electric power allocation ratio calculation unit calculates an electric power allocation ratio to be used during the CD mode. When the mode signal indicates a charge sustaining (CS) mode, a CS mode electric power allocation ratio calculation unit calculates an electric power allocation ratio to be used during the CS mode. A switching unit switches between the electric power allocation ratios received from the CD mode electric power allocation ratio calculation unit and the CS mode electric power allocation ratio calculation unit in response to the mode signal, and outputs the electric power allocation ratio to an instruction generation unit.

This nonprovisional application is based on Japanese Patent ApplicationNo. 2008-271208 filed with the Japan Patent Office on Oct. 21, 2008, theentire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to charge and discharge control in a powersupply system including a plurality of power storage devices.

2. Description of the Background Art

A hybrid vehicle capable of running using at least one of an internalcombustion engine and a motor that operates upon receiving electricpower from a rechargeable power storage device, in which the powerstorage device is chargeable by a power generation device generatingelectric power by using outputs from the internal combustion engine, hasbeen known. Among such hybrid vehicles, a vehicle that can run byswitching between a running mode in which the vehicle mainly runs onlywith a motor by using electric power stored in the power storage devicefor running without maintaining the same (referred to as a “CD (ChargeDepleting) mode,” an “EV (Electric Vehicle) mode” or the like, andhereinafter referred to as the “CD mode”) and a running mode in whichthe vehicle runs while maintaining electric power stored in the powerstorage device at a prescribed target (referred to as a “CS (ChargeSustaining) mode,” an “HV (Hybrid Vehicle) mode” or the like, andhereinafter also referred to as the “CS mode”) has also been known.

Regarding a power supply system mounted on such a hybrid vehicle,Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2008-109840 discloses a power supplysystem including a plurality of power storage devices. In this powersupply system, a remaining electric power amount down to SOC at whichallowable discharge electric power that can be output from the powerstorage device is to be restricted is calculated for each power storagedevice, and a discharge allocation ratio of the power storage device iscalculated in accordance with a ratio of the remaining electric poweramount. In addition, a charge acceptable amount up to SOC at whichacceptable charge electric power that can be input to the power storagedevice is to be restricted is calculated for each power storage device,and a charge allocation ratio of the power storage device is calculatedin accordance with a ratio of the charge acceptable amount. Whenelectric power is supplied from the power supply system to a drive forcegeneration portion, each converter is controlled in accordance with thedischarge allocation ratio, and when electric power is supplied from thedrive force generation portion to the power supply system, eachconverter is controlled in accordance with the charge allocation ratio.

According to this power supply system, even when charge and dischargecharacteristics of a plurality of power storage devices are differentamong them, performance of the system can be exhibited to its maximum.

As a method of managing electric power is different between a case wherea running mode is set to the CD mode and a case where a running mode isset to the CS mode as described above, it is necessary to appropriatelymanage electric power in accordance with the running mode. If thiselectric power management is inappropriate, any power storage deviceamong the plurality of power storage devices reaches discharge limit orcharge limit earlier than other power storage devices and thereaftermaximum discharge characteristics or charge characteristics as the wholepower supply system cannot be obtained. Japanese Patent Laying-Open No.2008-109840 above fails to address a method of managing electric powerin accordance with the running mode (CD mode/CS mode).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to appropriately manageelectric power in a power supply system including a plurality of powerstorage devices, that is mounted on a vehicle capable of running whileswitching between the CD mode and the CS mode.

According to the present invention, a power supply system is a powersupply system mounted on a vehicle capable of running while switchingbetween a first running mode (CD mode) of running using electric powerstored for running without maintaining the electric power and a secondrunning mode (CS mode) of running while maintaining the electric powerat a prescribed target, and the power supply system includes a powerline, first and second converters, a first rechargeable power storagedevice, a plurality of second rechargeable power storage devices, aswitching device, and a control device. The power line is provided forsupplying and receiving electric power between a drive force generationportion for generating drive force for running upon receiving electricpower from the power supply system and the power supply system. Thefirst and second converters are connected in parallel to the power line.

The first power storage device is connected to the first converter. Theswitching device is provided between the plurality of second powerstorage devices and the second converter and configured to connect anyone of the plurality of second power storage devices to the secondconverter in accordance with a provided instruction. The control devicecontrols the first and second converters and the switching device. Here,the control device includes a switching control unit, first and secondelectric power allocation ratio calculation units, and a convertercontrol unit. The switching control unit generates the instruction forsequentially switching for use the plurality of second power storagedevices such that, when a state quantity (SOC) indicating a chargedstate of the second power storage device connected to the secondconverter is lower than a predetermined value, a remaining second powerstorage device, of which state quantity is not lower than thepredetermined value, is connected to the second converter, and outputsthe instruction to the switching device. The first electric powerallocation ratio calculation unit calculates a first electric powerallocation ratio indicating a ratio of allocation of charge anddischarge electric power between the first power storage device and thesecond power storage device connected to the second converter by meansof the switching device, that is to be used during the first runningmode (CD mode). The second electric power allocation ratio calculationunit calculates a second electric power allocation ratio different fromthe first electric power allocation ratio, to be used during the secondrunning mode (CS mode). The converter control unit controls the firstand second converters in accordance with the first electric powerallocation ratio during the first running mode and controls the firstand second converters in accordance with the second electric powerallocation ratio during the second running mode.

Preferably, when electric power is supplied from the power supply systemto the drive force generation portion, the first electric powerallocation ratio calculation unit calculates the first electric powerallocation ratio in accordance with a ratio between an availabledischarge electric power amount of the first power storage device and asum of available discharge electric power amounts of the plurality ofsecond power storage devices. When electric power is supplied from thedrive force generation portion to the power supply system, the firstelectric power allocation ratio calculation unit calculates the firstelectric power allocation ratio in accordance with a ratio between anacceptable charge electric power amount of the first power storagedevice and an acceptable charge electric power amount of the secondpower storage device connected to the second converter.

Preferably, the second electric power allocation ratio calculation unitcalculates the second electric power allocation ratio such that anamount of charge of the first power storage device and an amount ofcharge of the second power storage device connected to the secondconverter are maintained.

Further preferably, the second electric power allocation ratiocalculation unit calculates the second electric power allocation ratiosuch that the amount of charge of the first power storage device and theamount of charge of the second power storage device connected to thesecond converter at the time when transition from the first running modeto the second running mode is made are maintained.

Preferably, the converter control unit includes first and second controlunits. The first control unit controls the first converter such that avoltage on the power line is adjusted to a prescribed target voltage.The second control unit controls the second converter such that chargeand discharge of the second power storage device connected to the secondconverter is adjusted to a prescribed target amount.

Preferably, the switching device includes a plurality of relays. Theplurality of relays are connected between respective ones of theplurality of second power storage devices and the second converter.

Preferably, the power supply system further includes a charger. Thecharger is provided for charging the first power storage device and theplurality of second power storage devices upon receiving electric powerfrom a power supply outside the vehicle.

In addition, according to the present invention, a power supply systemis a power supply system mounted on a vehicle capable of running whileswitching between a first running mode (CD mode) of running usingelectric power stored for running without maintaining the electric powerand a second running mode (CS mode) of running while maintaining theelectric power at a prescribed target, and the power supply systemincludes a power line, first and second converters, a first rechargeablepower storage device, a plurality of second rechargeable power storagedevices, a switching device, and a control device. The power line isprovided for supplying and receiving electric power between a driveforce generation portion for generating drive force for running uponreceiving electric power from the power supply system and the powersupply system. The first and second converters are connected in parallelto the power line. The first power storage device is connected to thefirst converter. The switching device is provided between the pluralityof second power storage devices and the second converter and configuredto connect any one of the plurality of second power storage devices tothe second converter in accordance with a provided instruction. Thecontrol device controls the first and second converters and theswitching device. Here, the control device includes a switching controlunit and a converter control unit. The switching control unit generatesthe instruction for sequentially switching for use the plurality ofsecond power storage devices such that, when a state quantity (SOC)indicating a charged state of the second power storage device connectedto the second converter is lower than a predetermined value, a remainingsecond power storage device, of which state quantity is not lower thanthe predetermined value, is connected to the second converter, andoutputs the instruction to the switching device. The converter controlunit controls the first and second converters such that the statequantity (SOC) of the first power storage device and the state quantity(SOC) of the second power storage device last connected to the secondconverter by means of the switching device simultaneously attain to thepredetermined value above during the first running mode, and controlsthe first and second converters such that the state quantity (SOC) ofthe first power storage device and the state quantity (SOC) of thesecond power storage device connected to the second converter by meansof the switching device are maintained during the second running mode.

In addition, according to the present invention, a vehicle includes anypower supply system described above and a drive force generation portionfor generating drive force of the vehicle upon receiving electric powerfrom the power supply system.

In addition, according to the present invention, a method of controllinga power supply system is a method of controlling a power supply systemmounted on a vehicle capable of running while switching between a firstrunning mode (CD mode) of running using electric power stored forrunning without maintaining the electric power and a second running mode(CS mode) of running while maintaining the electric power at aprescribed target. The power supply system includes a power line, firstand second converters, a first rechargeable power storage device, aplurality of second rechargeable power storage devices, and a switchingdevice. The power line is provided for supplying and receiving electricpower between a drive force generation portion for generating driveforce for running upon receiving electric power from the power supplysystem and the power supply system. The first and second converters areconnected in parallel to the power line. The first power storage deviceis connected to the first converter. The switching device is providedbetween the plurality of second power storage devices and the secondconverter and configured to connect any one of the plurality of secondpower storage devices to the second converter in accordance with aprovided instruction. The control method includes the steps of:controlling the switching device such that, when a state quantity (SOC)indicating a charged state of the second power storage device connectedto the second converter is lower than a predetermined value, a remainingsecond power storage device of which state quantity is not lower thanthe predetermined value is connected to the second converter;calculating a first electric power allocation ratio indicating a ratioof allocation of charge and discharge electric power between the firstpower storage device and the second power storage device connected tothe second converter by means of the switching device, that is to beused during the first running mode (CD mode); calculating a secondelectric power allocation ratio different from the first electric powerallocation ratio, to be used during the second running mode (CS mode);and controlling the first and second converters in accordance with thefirst electric power allocation ratio during the first running mode andcontrolling the first and second converters in accordance with thesecond electric power allocation ratio during the second running mode.

Preferably, in the step of calculating a first electric power allocationratio, when electric power is supplied from the power supply system tothe drive force generation portion, the first electric power allocationratio is calculated in accordance with a ratio between an availabledischarge electric power amount of the first power storage device and asum of available discharge electric power amounts of the plurality ofsecond power storage devices, and when electric power is supplied fromthe drive force generation portion to the power supply system, the firstelectric power allocation ratio is calculated in accordance with a ratiobetween an acceptable charge electric power amount of the first powerstorage device and an acceptable charge electric power amount of thesecond power storage device connected to the second converter.

Preferably, in the step of calculating a second electric powerallocation ratio, the second electric power allocation ratio iscalculated such that an amount of charge of the first power storagedevice and an amount of charge of the second power storage deviceconnected to the second converter are maintained.

Further preferably, in the step of calculating a second electric powerallocation ratio, the second electric power allocation ratio iscalculated such that the amount of charge of the first power storagedevice and the amount of charge of the second power storage deviceconnected to the second converter at the time when transition from thefirst running mode to the second running mode is made are maintained.

Preferably, in the step of controlling the first and second converters,the first converter is controlled such that a voltage on the power lineis adjusted to a prescribed target voltage, and the second converter iscontrolled such that charge and discharge of the second power storagedevice connected to the second converter is adjusted to a prescribedtarget amount.

In addition, according to the present invention, a method of controllinga power supply system is a method of controlling a power supply systemmounted on a vehicle capable of running while switching between a firstrunning mode (CD mode) of running using electric power stored forrunning without maintaining the electric power and a second running mode(CS mode) of running while maintaining the electric power at aprescribed target. The power supply system includes a power line, firstand second converters, a first rechargeable power storage device, aplurality of second rechargeable power storage devices, and a switchingdevice. The power line is provided for supplying and receiving electricpower between a drive force generation portion for generating driveforce for running upon receiving electric power from the power supplysystem and the power supply system. The first and second converters areconnected in parallel to the power line. The first power storage deviceis connected to the first converter. The switching device is providedbetween the plurality of second power storage devices and the secondconverter and configured to connect any one of the plurality of secondpower storage devices to the second converter in accordance with aprovided instruction. The control method includes the steps of:controlling the switching device such that, when a state quantity (SOC)indicating a charged state of the second power storage device connectedto the second converter is lower than a predetermined value, a remainingsecond power storage device of which state quantity is not lower thanthe predetermined value is connected to the second converter;controlling the first and second converters such that the state quantity(SOC) of the first power storage device and the state quantity (SOC) ofthe second power storage device last connected to the second converterby means of the switching device simultaneously attain to thepredetermined value above during the first running mode; and controllingthe first and second converters such that the state quantity (SOC) ofthe first power storage device and the state quantity (SOC) of thesecond power storage device connected to the second converter by meansof the switching device are maintained during the second running mode.

According to the present invention, when the state quantity (SOC) of thesecond power storage device connected to the second converter is lowerthan the predetermined value, the remaining second power storage deviceof which state quantity is not lower than the predetermined value isconnected to the second converter and the plurality of second powerstorage devices are sequentially switched for use. During the firstrunning mode (CD mode), the first and second converters are controlledin accordance with the first electric power allocation ratio indicatinga ratio of allocation of charge and discharge electric power between thefirst power storage device and the second power storage device connectedto the second converter by means of the switching device. Electric powermanagement suitable for the first running mode can thus be achieved. Onthe other hand, during the second running mode (CS mode), the first andsecond converters are controlled in accordance with the second electricpower allocation ratio for the second running mode different from thefirst electric power allocation ratio. Electric power managementsuitable for the second running mode can thus be achieved.

Therefore, according to the present invention, appropriate electricpower management in accordance with the CD mode and the CS mode can beachieved. Consequently, a case where any power storage device reachesthe discharge limit or the charge limit earlier than other power storagedevices can be suppressed and a distance that can be traveled in the CDmode can be maximized.

The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of thepresent invention will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription of the present invention when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an overall block diagram of a vehicle incorporating a powersupply system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of first and secondconverters shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for illustrating allowable discharge electric powerand acceptable charge electric power of a power storage device shown inFIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for illustrating a concept of a method of using eachpower storage device.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of a converter ECU shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for illustrating a method of calculation of anelectric power allocation ratio (during discharge) by a CD mode electricpower allocation ratio calculation unit shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for illustrating a method of calculation of anelectric power allocation ratio (during charge) by the CD mode electricpower allocation ratio calculation unit shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for illustrating a method of calculation of anelectric power allocation ratio by a CS mode electric power allocationratio calculation unit shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is a detailed functional block diagram of a drive signalgeneration unit shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for illustrating a control structure of theconverter ECU shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for illustrating a structure of a sub routine forcontrolling CD mode electric power allocation shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for illustrating a structure of a sub routine forcontrolling CS mode electric power allocation shown in FIG. 10.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An embodiment of the present invention will be described hereinafter indetail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same orcorresponding elements have the same reference characters allotted, anddescription thereof will not be repeated.

FIG. 1 is an overall block diagram of a vehicle incorporating a powersupply system according to an embodiment of the present invention.Referring to FIG. 1, a vehicle 100 includes a power supply system 1 anda drive force generation portion 2. Drive force generation portion 2includes a first inverter 30-1, a second inverter 30-2, a first MG(Motor-Generator) 32-1, a second MG 32-2, a power split device 34, anengine 36, a driving wheel 38, and an MG-ECU (Electronic Control Unit)40.

First MG 32-1, second MG 32-2, and engine 36 are coupled to power splitdevice 34. Vehicle 100 runs by using drive force from at least one ofengine 36 and second MG 32-2. Motive power generated by engine 36 issplit into two paths by power split device 34. Namely, one is a path fortransmission to driving wheel 38, and the other is a path fortransmission to first MG 32-1.

Each of first MG 32-1 and second MG 32-2 is an AC rotating electricmachine, and it is implemented, for example, by a three-phase ACrotating electric machine including a rotor having a permanent magnetembedded. First MG 32-1 generates electric power by using motive powerfrom engine 36 split by power split device 34. For example, when SOC ofthe power storage device (which will be described later) included inpower supply system 1 becomes lower, engine 36 is started, electricpower is generated by first MG 32-1, and the generated electric power issupplied to power supply system 1.

Second MG 32-2 generates drive force by using at least one of electricpower supplied from power supply system 1 and electric power generatedby first MG 32-1. The drive force of second MG 32-2 is transmitted todriving wheel 38. During braking or the like of the vehicle, second MG32-2 is driven by driving wheel 38, so that second MG 32-2 operates as apower generator. Thus, second MG 32-2 operates as a regenerative brakeconverting braking energy to electric power. Electric power generated bysecond MG 32-2 is supplied to power supply system 1.

Power split device 34 is constituted of a planetary gear including a sungear, a pinion gear, a carrier, and a ring gear. The pinion gear isengaged with the sun gear and the ring gear. The carrier rotatablysupports the pinion gear and it is coupled to a crankshaft of engine 36.The sun gear is coupled to a rotation shaft of first MG 32-1. The ringgear is coupled to a rotation shaft of second MG 32-2.

First inverter 30-1 and second inverter 30-2 are connected to a mainpositive bus MPL and a main negative bus MNL. First inverter 30-1 andsecond inverter 30-2 convert drive electric power (DC power) suppliedfrom power supply system 1 to AC power and output the AC power to firstMG 32-1 and second MG 32-2, respectively. In addition, first inverter30-1 and second inverter 30-2 convert AC power generated by first MG32-1 and second MG 32-2 into DC power and output the DC power to powersupply system 1 as regenerative power.

Each of first inverter 30-1 and second inverter 30-2 is implemented, forexample, by a bridge circuit including switching elements of threephases. Each inverter drives a corresponding MG by performing aswitching operation in response to a drive signal from MG-ECU 40.

MG-ECU 40 calculates vehicle request power Ps based on a detectionsignal from each not-shown sensor, a running state, an acceleratorposition, and the like, and calculates a torque target value and a speedtarget value of first MG 32-1 and second MG 32-2 based on calculatedvehicle request power Ps. In addition, MG-ECU 40 controls first inverter30-1 and second inverter 30-2 such that generated torque and the speedof first MG 32-1 and second MG 32-2 attain to the target values.Moreover, MG-ECU 40 outputs calculated vehicle request power Ps to aconverter ECU 22 (which will be described later) of power supply system1. When vehicle request power Ps has a positive value, electric power issupplied from power supply system 1 to drive force generation portion 2,and when vehicle request power Ps has a negative value, regenerativepower is supplied from drive force generation portion 2 to power supplysystem 1.

Meanwhile, power supply system 1 includes a first power storage device10-1, a second power storage device 10-2, a third power storage device10-3, a first converter 12-1, a second converter 12-2, a switchingdevice 18, main positive bus MPL, main negative bus MNL, and a smoothingcapacitor C. In addition, power supply system 1 further includesconverter ECU 22, a CD cancel switch 24, current sensors 14-1 to 14-3,and voltage sensors 16-1 to 16-3 and 20. Moreover, power supply system 1further includes a charger 26 and a vehicle inlet 27.

Each of first power storage device 10-1, second power storage device10-2, and third power storage device 10-3 is a rechargeable DC powersupply, and it is implemented, for example, by a secondary battery suchas a nickel hydride battery or a lithium ion battery, a large-capacitycapacitor, or the like. First power storage device 10-1 is connected tofirst converter 12-1, and second power storage device 10-2 and thirdpower storage device 10-3 are connected to switching device 18.

Switching device 18 is provided between second and third power storagedevices 10-2 and 10-3 and second converter 12-2, and it electricallyconnects any of second power storage device 10-2 and third power storagedevice 10-3 to second converter 12-2 in accordance with a switchingsignal SW from converter ECU 22. Specifically, switching device 18includes system relays RY1 and RY2. System relay RY1 is disposed betweensecond power storage device 10-2 and second converter 12-2. System relayRY2 is disposed between third power storage device 10-3 and secondconverter 12-2. For example, when switching signal SW is inactivated,system relays RY1 and RY2 are turned on and off respectively, and secondpower storage device 10-2 is electrically connected to second converter12-2. When switching signal SW is activated, system relays RY1 and RY2are turned off and on respectively, and third power storage device 10-3is electrically connected to second converter 12-2.

First converter 12-1 and second converter 12-2 are connected in parallelto main positive bus MPL and main negative bus MNL. First converter 12-1converts a voltage between first power storage device 10-1 and mainpositive bus MPL, main negative bus MNL, based on a drive signal PWC1from converter ECU 22. Second converter 12-2 converts a voltage betweenany of second power storage device 10-2 and third power storage device10-3 electrically connected to second converter 12-2 by means ofswitching device 18 and main positive bus MPL, main negative bus MNL,based on a drive signal PWC2 from converter ECU 22.

Smoothing capacitor C is connected between main positive bus MPL andmain negative bus MNL, and lowers an electric power fluctuationcomponent included in main positive bus MPL and main negative bus MNL.Voltage sensor 20 detects a voltage Vh across main positive bus MPL andmain negative bus MNL and outputs the detected value to converter ECU22.

Current sensors 14-1 to 14-3 detect a current Ib1 input and outputfrom/to first power storage device 10-1, a current Ib2 input and outputfrom/to second power storage device 10-2, and a current Ib3 input andoutput from/to third power storage device 10-3, respectively, and outputthe detected values to converter ECU 22. Each of current sensors 14-1 to14-3 detects a current output from a corresponding power storage device(discharge current) as a positive value and detects a current input to acorresponding power storage device (charging current) as a negativevalue. Though FIG. 1 shows an example where each of current sensors 14-1to 14-3 detects a current through a positive electrode line, each ofcurrent sensors 14-1 to 14-3 may detect a current through a negativeelectrode line.

Voltage sensors 16-1 to 16-3 detect a voltage Vb1 of first power storagedevice 10-1, a voltage Vb2 of second power storage device 10-2, and avoltage Vb3 of third power storage device 10-3, respectively, and outputthe detected values to converter ECU 22.

Converter ECU 22 generates switching signal SW for sequentiallyswitching for use between second power storage device 10-2 and thirdpower storage device 10-3 connected to switching device 18 and outputsthe signal to switching device 18. For example, when SOC of second powerstorage device 10-2 becomes lower than a predetermined value whilesecond power storage device 10-2 is connected to second converter 12-2by means of switching device 18, converter ECU 22 generates switchingsignal SW to turn off system relay RY1 in the ON state and turn onsystem relay RY2 in the OFF state.

In addition, converter ECU 22 generates drive signals PWC1 and PWC2 fordriving first converter 12-1 and second converter 12-2 respectively,based on detection values from current sensors 14-1 to 14-3 and voltagesensors 16-1 to 16-3 and 20 as well as vehicle request power Ps fromMG-ECU 40. Converter ECU 22 outputs generated drive signals PWC1 andPWC2 to first converter 12-1 and second converter 12-2, respectively,and controls first converter 12-1 and second converter 12-2.

Moreover, converter ECU 22 controls the running mode. Specifically, wheneach power storage device is charged by charger 26 as will be describedlater, converter ECU 22 sets, as the default running mode, the CD modein which the vehicle runs by using electric power stored in each powerstorage device without maintaining that electric power. When a driverturns on CD cancel switch 24, the running mode is switched to the CSmode in which the vehicle runs while maintaining electric power storedin each power storage device. If SOC of each power storage deviceattains to a prescribed lower limit value, converter ECU 22 switches therunning mode from the CD mode to the CS mode, even though CD cancelswitch 24 is not turned on.

During the CD mode, unless large vehicle request power Ps is requested,engine 36 is stopped and the vehicle runs only with second MG 32-2, andhence electric power stored in each power storage device decreases. Onthe other hand, during the CS mode, engine 36 operates as appropriateand electric power is generated by first MG 32-1, and hence electricpower stored in each power storage device is maintained at a prescribedtarget.

In addition, converter ECU 22 calculates an electric power allocationratio indicating a ratio of allocation of charge and discharge electricpower between first power storage device 10-1 and the power storagedevice electrically connected to second converter 12-2 by means ofswitching device 18. Here, converter ECU 22 separately calculates theelectric power allocation ratio to be used during the CD mode and theelectric power allocation ratio to be used during the CS mode, andswitches between the electric power allocation ratios in accordance withthe running mode.

Specifically, with regard to the electric power allocation ratio to beused during the CD mode, when electric power is supplied from powersupply system 1 to drive force generation portion 2 (that is, vehiclerequest power Ps>0), converter ECU 22 calculates the electric powerallocation ratio (discharge allocation ratio) between first powerstorage device 10-1 and the power storage device electrically connectedto second converter 12-2 by means of switching device 18, in accordancewith a ratio between an available discharge electric power amount offirst power storage device 10-1 connected to first converter 12-1 andthe sum of available discharge electric power amounts of second powerstorage device 10-2 and third power storage device 10-3 that can beconnected to second converter 12-2 by means of switching device 18. Onthe other hand, when electric power is supplied from drive forcegeneration portion 2 to power supply system 1 (that is, vehicle requestpower Ps<0), converter ECU 22 calculates the electric power allocationratio (charge allocation ratio) between first power storage device 10-1and the power storage device connected to second converter 12-2 inaccordance with a ratio between the acceptable charge electric poweramount of first power storage device 10-1 and the acceptable chargeelectric power amount of the power storage device electrically connectedto second converter 12-2 by means of switching device 18.

Meanwhile, with regard to the electric power allocation ratio to be usedduring the CS mode, converter ECU 22 calculates the electric powerallocation ratio between first power storage device 10-1 and the powerstorage device electrically connected to second converter 12-2 by meansof switching device 18 such that SOC of first power storage device 10-1and SOC of the power storage device electrically connected to secondconverter 12-2 by means of switching device 18 are maintained at aprescribed target. For example, converter ECU 22 calculates the electricpower allocation ratio in accordance with a ratio between a capacity offirst power storage device 10-1 and a capacity of the power storagedevice connected to second converter 12-2. It is noted that theprescribed SOC target above is set, for example, to SOC at the time whenCD cancel switch 24 is turned on and transition from the CD mode to theCS mode is made.

Converter ECU 22 controls first converter 12-1 such that voltage Vh isadjusted to a prescribed target voltage and controls second converter12-2 such that charge and discharge of the power storage deviceelectrically connected to second converter 12-2 by means of switchingdevice 18 is adjusted to a prescribed target amount. It is noted thatfirst converter 12-1 is hereinafter also referred to as a “masterconverter”, and second converter 12-2 is also referred to as a “slaveconverter”.

CD cancel switch 24 is a switch for the driver to switch the runningmode from the CD mode, which is the default setting, to the CS mode. CDcancel switch 24 is valid, for example, under the condition as follows.Specifically, when SOC of each power storage device becomes lower, therunning mode is set to the CS mode in which engine 36 frequently orcontinuously operates. Then, if there is subsequently a section wherethe driver desires to drive in the CD mode (for example, around adriver's house on his/her way home), charged electric power can bemaintained by turning on CD cancel switch 24, and when the vehiclereaches the section where the driver desires to drive in the CD mode,the driver can run the desired section in the CD mode by turning off CDcancel switch 24.

Charger 26 is equipment for charging each power storage device from apower supply 28 outside the vehicle (hereinafter also referred to as an“external power supply”). Charger 26 is connected, for example, betweensecond converter 12-2 and switching device 18, and it converts electricpower input from vehicle inlet 27 to direct current and outputs it to apower line between second converter 12-2 and switching device 18.

When first power storage device 10-1 is charged by charger 26, first andsecond converters 12-1 and 12-2 are driven as appropriate, so thatcharge electric power is supplied successively from charger 26 throughsecond converter 12-2, main positive bus MPL and main negative bus MNL,and first converter 12-1 to first power storage device 10-1.Alternatively, when second power storage device 10-2 is charged bycharger 26, relay RY1 is turned on and charge electric power is suppliedfrom charger 26 to second power storage device 10-2. When third powerstorage device 10-3 is charged by charger 26, relay RY2 is turned on andcharge electric power is supplied from charger 26 to third power storagedevice 10-3.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of first and secondconverters 12-1 and 12-2 shown in FIG. 1. As the converters are commonin the configuration and the operation, the configuration and theoperation of first converter 12-1 will be described hereinafter.Referring to FIG. 2, first converter 12-1 includes a chopper circuit42-1, a positive bus LN1A, a negative bus LN1C, a line LN1B, and asmoothing capacitor C1. Chopper circuit 42-1 includes switching elementsQ1A and Q1B, diodes D1A and D1B, and an inductor L1.

Positive bus LN1A has one end connected to a collector of switchingelement Q1B and the other end connected to main positive bus MPL.Negative bus LN1C has one end connected to a negative electrode line NL1and the other end connected to main negative bus MNL.

Switching elements Q1A and Q1B are connected in series between negativebus LN1C and positive bus LN1A. Specifically, an emitter of switchingelement Q1A is connected to negative bus LN1C, and the collector ofswitching element Q1B is connected to positive bus LN1A. Diodes D1A andD1B are connected in anti-parallel to switching elements Q1A and Q1B,respectively. Inductor L1 is connected between a connection node ofswitching elements Q1A and Q1B and line LN1B.

Line LN1B has one end connected to a positive electrode line PL1 and theother end connected to inductor L1. Smoothing capacitor C1 is connectedbetween line LN1B and negative bus LN1C, and reduces an AC componentincluded in a DC voltage across line LN1B and negative bus LN1C.

Chopper circuit 42-1 carries out DC voltage conversion in bothdirections between first power storage device 10-1 (FIG. 1) and mainpositive bus MPL, main negative bus MNL, in response to drive signalPWC1 from converter ECU 22 (FIG. 1). Drive signal PWC1 includes a drivesignal PWC1A for controlling ON/OFF of switching element Q1Aconstituting a lower arm element and a drive signal PWC1B forcontrolling ON/OFF of switching element Q1B constituting an upper armelement. Converter ECU 22 controls a duty ratio (a ratio between an ONperiod and an OFF period) of switching elements Q1A and Q1B in a certainduty cycle (the sum of the ON period and the OFF period).

When switching elements Q1A and Q1B are controlled to increase on-dutyof switching element Q1A (as switching elements Q1A and Q1B arecontrolled to turn on and off in a complementary manner except for adead time, on-duty of switching element Q1B decreases), an amount of apump current that flows from first power storage device 10-1 to inductorL1 increases and electromagnetic energy accumulated in inductor L1increases. Consequently, at the timing of transition from the ON stateto the OFF state of switching element Q1A, an amount of current emittedfrom inductor L1 through diode D1B to main positive bus MPL increasesand the voltage of main positive bus MPL is raised.

On the other hand, when switching elements Q1A and Q1B are controlled toincrease on-duty of switching element Q1B (on-duty of switching elementQ1A decreases), an amount of a current that flows from main positive busMPL through switching element Q1B and inductor L1 to power storagedevice 10-1 increases, and hence the voltage of main positive bus MPL islowered.

By thus controlling the duty ratio of switching elements Q1A and Q1B,the voltage of main positive bus MPL can be controlled and a directionof a current (electric power) and an amount of the current (the amountof electric power) that flows between first power storage device 10-1and main positive bus MPL can be controlled.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for illustrating allowable discharge electric powerand acceptable charge electric power of the power storage device shownin FIG. 1. Though first power storage device 10-1 and second powerstorage device 10-2 are shown in FIG. 3, third power storage device 10-3should also be understood similarly.

Referring to FIG. 3, allowable discharge electric power Wout1 indicatesa maximum value of electric power that can instantaneously be outputfrom first power storage device 10-1. When SOC of first power storagedevice 10-1 is lower than a lower limit value TL1, allowable dischargeelectric power Wout1 is restricted. It is noted that a lowermost valueLL1 refers to the discharge limit of first power storage device 10-1.Acceptable charge electric power Win1 indicates a maximum value ofelectric power that can instantaneously be input to first power storagedevice 10-1. When SOC of first power storage device 10-1 exceeds anupper limit value TH1, acceptable charge electric power Win1 isrestricted. It is noted that an uppermost value HL1 indicates the chargelimit of first power storage device 10-1. As this is also the case withsecond power storage device 10-2, description will not be repeated forsecond power storage device 10-2.

A basic concept of electric power allocation control in the presentembodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3. It is assumedhere that power supply system 1 consists of two power storage devices offirst power storage device 10-1 and second power storage device 10-2.First power storage device 10-1 and second power storage device 10-2have SOCs S1 and S2 respectively.

When the running mode is set to the CD mode, the vehicle runs by usingelectric power stored in each power storage device without maintainingthat electric power. Assuming here that first power storage device 10-1and second power storage device 10-2 equally discharge (here “equaldischarge” means that discharged electric power is equal), allowabledischarge electric power is restricted in any one of first power storagedevice 10-1 and second power storage device 10-2 earlier than the other.Then, thereafter, in spite of sufficient discharge capability of theother power storage device, discharge capability of the entire powersupply system 1, that is, the total discharge capability of first powerstorage device 10-1 and second power storage device 10-2, is lowered.

Here, electric power is allocated between first power storage device10-1 and second power storage device 10-2 such that SOCs of first powerstorage device 10-1 and second power storage device 10-2 simultaneouslyattain, for example, to lower limit values TL1 and TL2 respectively, sothat an occasion (a period) in which discharge capability of the entirepower supply system 1 can be exhibited to its maximum can be maximized.

On the other hand, even in the CD mode, during braking of the vehicle orrunning down a long hill, regenerative power is supplied from driveforce generation portion 2 to power supply system 1. Assuming here thatfirst power storage device 10-1 and second power storage device 10-2 areequally charged (here “equal charge” means that charged electric poweris equal), acceptable charge electric power is restricted in any one offirst power storage device 10-1 and second power storage device 10-2earlier than the other. Then, thereafter, in spite of sufficient chargecapability of the other power storage device, charge capability of theentire power supply system 1, that is, the total charge capability offirst power storage device 10-1 and second power storage device 10-2, islowered.

Here, electric power is allocated between first power storage device10-1 and second power storage device 10-2 such that SOCs of first powerstorage device 10-1 and second power storage device 10-2 simultaneouslyattain, for example, to upper limit values TH1 and TH2 respectively, sothat an occasion (a period) in which charge capability of the entirepower supply system 1 can be exhibited to its maximum can be maximized.

Meanwhile, when the running mode is set to the CS mode, the vehicle runswhile maintaining electric power stored in each power storage device.Assuming here that electric power allocation as in the CD mode is made,discharged electric power from the power storage device higher in SOCbecomes greater during discharge, and charged electric power to thepower storage device lower in SOC becomes greater during charge. Then,while repeating charging and discharging, SOC of first power storagedevice 10-1 and SOC of second power storage device 10-2 become equal toeach other, and electric power stored in each power storage devicecannot be maintained.

Accordingly, electric power allocation between first power storagedevice 10-1 and second power storage device 10-2 is made to maintainelectric power stored in each power storage device. For example,electric power is allocated in accordance with a ratio between acapacity of first power storage device 10-1 and a capacity of secondpower storage device 10-2, so that electric power stored in each powerstorage device can be maintained.

Thus, in the present embodiment, electric power allocation between firstpower storage device 10-1 and the power storage device connected tosecond converter 12-2 is set differently between the CD mode and the CSmode, so that appropriate electric power management in accordance withthe running mode is achieved.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for illustrating a concept of a method of using eachpower storage device. It is noted that upper and lower limit values ofSOCs of the power storage devices are equal to one another. In addition,it is assumed in FIG. 4 that running starts from a state where eachpower storage device is charged by charger 26 to uppermost value HL,which means a full charge state.

Referring to FIG. 4, lines k11, k12 and k13 show variation of SOC offirst power storage device 10-1. Lines k21, k22, k23, and k24 showvariation of SOC of second power storage device 10-2. Lines k31 and k32show variation of SOC of third power storage device 10-3.

Out of second power storage device 10-2 and third power storage device10-3 of which use is switched by switching device 18, second powerstorage device 10-2 is initially used. From time t0, running in the CDmode is started, and electric power in first power storage device 10-1and second power storage device 10-2 is consumed and SOCs of first powerstorage device 10-1 and second power storage device 10-2 decrease. Attime t1, when the driver turns on CD cancel switch 24, the mode isswitched from the CD mode to the CS mode and SOCs of first power storagedevice 10-1 and second power storage device 10-2 that is being used aremaintained at values (S1L, S2L) at the time when CD cancel switch 24 wasturned on.

When CD cancel switch 24 is turned off at time t3, the mode returns fromthe CS mode to the CD mode and SOCs of first power storage device 10-1and second power storage device 10-2 start to decrease again. When SOCof second power storage device 10-2 reaches lower limit value TL at timet4, switching device 18 switches the power storage device to beconnected to second converter 12-2 from second power storage device 10-2to third power storage device 10-3. After time t4, electric power fromfirst power storage device 10-1 and third power storage device 10-3 isused for running, and SOCs of first power storage device 10-1 and thirdpower storage device 10-3 together reach lower limit value TL at timet6. After time t6, the running mode is set to the CS mode, and SOCs offirst power storage device 10-1 and third power storage device 10-3 aremaintained at lower limit value TL.

If the driver did not turn on CD cancel switch 24, when SOC of secondpower storage device 10-2 reaches lower limit value TL at time t2, thepower storage device to be connected to second converter 12-2 isswitched from second power storage device 10-2 to third power storagedevice 10-3. After time t2, electric power from first power storagedevice 10-1 and third power storage device 10-3 is used for running, andSOCs of first power storage device 10-1 and third power storage device10-3 together reach lower limit value TL at time t5.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of converter ECU 22 shown inFIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 5, converter ECU 22 includes an SOCcalculation unit 52, a running mode control unit 54, a slave switchingcontrol unit 56, a CD mode electric power allocation ratio calculationunit 58, a CS mode electric power allocation ratio calculation unit 60,a switching unit 62, an instruction generation unit 64, and a drivesignal generation unit 66.

SOC calculation unit 52 calculates a state quantity S1 indicating SOC offirst power storage device 10-1 based on each detection value of currentIb1 and voltage Vb1. In addition, SOC calculation unit 52 calculates astate quantity S2 indicating SOC of second power storage device 10-2based on each detection value of current Ib2 and voltage Vb2. Moreover,SOC calculation unit 52 calculates a state quantity S3 indicating SOC ofthird power storage device 10-3 based on each detection value of currentIb3 and voltage Vb3. It is noted that various known methods can be usedas a method of calculating SOC.

Running mode control unit 54 controls the running mode of the vehiclebased on a signal CS from CD cancel switch 24 and SOC of each powerstorage device calculated by SOC calculation unit 52. Specifically,running mode control unit 54 sets the running mode to the CS mode whenit is determined that CD cancel switch 24 has been turned on based onsignal CS. In addition, running mode control unit 54 sets the runningmode to the CS mode also when SOC of each power storage device reacheslower limit value TL. Otherwise, running mode control unit 54 sets therunning mode to the CD mode. Running mode control unit 54 outputs asignal MD indicating the running mode.

Slave switching control unit 56 generates switching signal SW forsequentially switching for use between second power storage device 10-2and third power storage device 10-3, based on SOCs of second powerstorage device 10-2 and third power storage device 10-3 calculated bySOC calculation unit 52. For example, when SOC of second power storagedevice 10-2 is higher than the lower limit value, slave switchingcontrol unit 56 inactivates switching signal SW such that second powerstorage device 10-2 is electrically connected to second converter 12-2,and when SOC of second power storage device 10-2 reaches the lower limitvalue, slave switching control unit 56 activates switching signal SWsuch that third power storage device 10-3 is electrically connected tosecond converter 12-2.

When signal MD from running mode control unit 54 indicates the CD mode,CD mode electric power allocation ratio calculation unit 58 calculatesthe electric power allocation ratio to be used in the CD mode, based onSOC (S1 to S3) of each power storage device calculated by SOCcalculation unit 52, vehicle request power Ps and switching signal SWfrom slave switching control unit 56.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are diagrams for illustrating a method of calculation ofthe electric power allocation ratio by CD mode electric power allocationratio calculation unit 58 shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is a diagram forillustrating a calculation method during discharge in which electricpower is supplied from power supply system 1 to drive force generationportion 2, and FIG. 7 is a diagram for illustrating a calculation methodduring charge in which electric power is supplied from drive forcegeneration portion 2 to power supply system 1.

Referring to FIG. 6, by way of example, FIG. 6 shows an example wheresecond power storage device 10-2 is electrically connected to secondconverter 12-2 by means of switching device 18. CD mode electric powerallocation ratio calculation unit 58 can identify a power storage deviceelectrically connected to second converter 12-2, based on switchingsignal SW from slave switching control unit 56. For facilitatingunderstanding, it is assumed that lower limit value TL indicating SOC atwhich restriction of allowable discharge electric power Wout is to bestarted and lowermost value LL indicating the discharge limit of thepower storage device are identical among the power storage devices.

When vehicle request power Ps has a positive value, CD mode electricpower allocation ratio calculation unit 58 calculates, with regard tofirst power storage device 10-1, an available discharge electric poweramount R1 of first power storage device 10-1 until SOC reaches lowerlimit value TL at which allowable discharge electric power Wout1 is tobe restricted, as shown in the following equation.R1=A(S1−TL)  (1)

Here, A represents a capacity of first power storage device 10-1 and S1represents SOC of first power storage device 10-1 when calculation isperformed.

Similarly, CD mode electric power allocation ratio calculation unit 58calculates, with regard to second power storage device 10-2, anavailable discharge electric power amount R2 of second power storagedevice 10-2 until SOC reaches lower limit value TL, and calculates, withregard to third power storage device 10-3, an available dischargeelectric power amount R3 of third power storage device 10-3 until SOCreaches lower limit value TL, as shown in the following equations.R2=B1(S2−TL)  (2)R3=B2(S3−TL)  (3)

Here, B1 and B2 show capacities of second power storage device 10-2 andthird power storage device 10-3 respectively, and S2 and S3 show SOCs ofsecond power storage device 10-2 and third power storage device 10-3when calculation is performed, respectively.

CD mode electric power allocation ratio calculation unit 58 calculatesthe electric power allocation ratio between first power storage device10-1 and second power storage device 10-2 (or third power storage device10-3) as R1:(R2+R3). Namely, second power storage device 10-2 and thirdpower storage device 10-3 sequentially switched for use are regarded asone power storage portion, and the electric power allocation ratio iscalculated such that first power storage device 10-1 and the powerstorage portion consisting of second power storage device 10-2 and thirdpower storage device 10-3 simultaneously attain to the lower limitvalue.

Referring to FIG. 7, by way of example, FIG. 7 shows an example wherethird power storage device 10-3 is electrically connected to secondconverter 12-2 by means of switching device 18. Here again, forfacilitating understanding, it is assumed that upper limit value THindicating SOC at which restriction of acceptable charge electric powerWin is to be started and uppermost value HL indicating the charge limitof the power storage device are identical among the power storagedevices.

When vehicle request power Ps has a negative value, CD mode electricpower allocation ratio calculation unit 58 calculates, with regard tofirst power storage device 10-1, an acceptable charge electric poweramount C1 of first power storage device 10-1 until SOC reaches upperlimit value TH at which acceptable charge electric power Win1 is to berestricted, as shown in the following equation.C1=A(TH−S1)  (4)

Similarly, CD mode electric power allocation ratio calculation unit 58calculates, with regard to third power storage device 10-3 that is beingused, an acceptable charge electric power amount C3 of third powerstorage device 10-3 until SOC reaches upper limit value TH, as shown inthe following equation.C3=B2(TH−S3)  (5)

Then, CD mode electric power allocation ratio calculation unit 58calculates the electric power allocation ratio between first powerstorage device 10-1 and third power storage device 10-3 as C1:C3.Namely, the electric power allocation ratio is calculated such thatfirst power storage device 10-1 and third power storage device 10-3 thatis being used simultaneously attain to the upper limit value duringcharge.

It is noted that the electric power allocation ratio in an example wheresecond power storage device 10-2 is electrically connected to secondconverter 12-2 by means of switching device 18 can also similarly becalculated.

Referring again to FIG. 5, when signal MD from running mode control unit54 indicates the CS mode, CS mode electric power allocation ratiocalculation unit 60 calculates the electric power allocation ratio to beused in the CS mode, based on SOC (S1 to S3) of each power storagedevice calculated by SOC calculation unit 52, vehicle request power Ps,and switching signal SW from slave switching control unit 56.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for illustrating a method of calculation of theelectric power allocation ratio by CS mode electric power allocationratio calculation unit 60 shown in FIG. 5. By way of example, FIG. 8shows an example where second power storage device 10-2 is electricallyconnected to second converter 12-2 by means of switching device 18. Itis noted that CS mode electric power allocation ratio calculation unit60 can identify a power storage device electrically connected to secondconverter 12-2 based on switching signal SW from slave switching controlunit 56.

Referring to FIG. 8, CS mode electric power allocation ratio calculationunit 60 calculates the electric power allocation ratio such that SOC offirst power storage device 10-1 and SOC of second power storage device10-2 that is being used are maintained. Specifically, when SOCs (S1, S2)of first power storage device 10-1 and second power storage device 10-2become lower than SOCs (S1L, S2L) at the time when the running mode isswitched from the CD mode to the CS mode, first MG 32-1 generateselectric power by using motive power generated by engine 36 and theelectric power is supplied to first power storage device 10-1 and secondpower storage device 10-2. Here, CS mode electric power allocation ratiocalculation unit 60 calculates, for example, a ratio between a capacityA of first power storage device 10-1 and a capacity B1 of second powerstorage device 10-2 that is being used, as the electric power allocationratio (charge allocation ratio).

On the other hand, when SOCs (S1, S2) of first power storage device 10-1and second power storage device 10-2 become higher than SOCs (S1L, S2L)at the time when the running mode is switched from the CD mode to the CSmode, engine 36 is stopped and electric power is discharged from firstpower storage device 10-1 and second power storage device 10-2. Hereagain, CS mode electric power allocation ratio calculation unit 60calculates, for example, a ratio between capacity A of first powerstorage device 10-1 and capacity B1 of second power storage device 10-2that is being used, as the electric power allocation ratio (dischargeallocation ratio).

Thus, SOC (S1) of first power storage device 10-1 and SOC (S2) of secondpower storage device 10-2 connected to second converter 12-2 by means ofswitching device 18 can be controlled to S1L, S2L, respectively.

Referring again to FIG. 5, when signal MD received from running modecontrol unit 54 indicates the CD mode, switching unit 62 outputs theelectric power allocation ratio received from CD mode electric powerallocation ratio calculation unit 58 to instruction generation unit 64.On the other hand, when signal MD received from running mode controlunit 54 indicates the CS mode, switching unit 62 outputs the electricpower allocation ratio received from CS mode electric power allocationratio calculation unit 60 to instruction generation unit 64.

When it is assumed that the electric power allocation ratio receivedfrom switching unit 62 is D1:D2, instruction generation unit 64calculates target electric power PR indicating a target value of chargeand discharge electric power of a power storage device to be connectedto second converter 12-2 based on vehicle request power Ps, as shown inthe following equation.PR=Ps×D2/(D1+D2)  (6)

Here, during discharge in the CD mode, relation of D1:D2=R1:(R2+R3) issatisfied. During charge in the CD mode, when second power storagedevice 10-2 is electrically connected to second converter 12-2 by meansof switching device 18, relation of D1:D2=C1:C2 is satisfied, and whenthird power storage device 10-3 is electrically connected to secondconverter 12-2, relation of D1:D2=C1:C3 is satisfied. On the other hand,in the CS mode, when second power storage device 10-2 is electricallyconnected to second converter 12-2 by means of switching device 18, forexample, relation of D1:D2=A:B1 is satisfied, and when third powerstorage device 10-3 is electrically connected to second converter 12-2,for example, relation of D1:D2=A:B2 is satisfied.

In addition, instruction generation unit 64 sets a target voltage VR ofvoltage Vh. For example, instruction generation unit 64 can set aprescribed value greater than the highest value of voltages Vb1 to Vb3as target voltage VR.

Drive signal generation unit 66 generates drive signals PWC1, PWC2 fordriving first converter 12-1 and second converter 12-2 respectively,based on each detection value of voltages Vh and Vb1 to Vb3 and currentsIb2 and Ib3, target voltage VR and target electric power PR frominstruction generation unit 64, and switching signal SW from slaveswitching control unit 56, with a method which will be described later.Then, drive signal generation unit 66 outputs generated drive signalsPWC1 and PWC2 to first converter 12-1 and second converter 12-2respectively.

FIG. 9 is a detailed functional block diagram of drive signal generationunit 66 shown in FIG. 5. Referring to FIG. 9, drive signal generationunit 66 includes a first control unit 70-1 and a second control unit70-2. First control unit 70-1 includes subtraction units 72-1 and 76-1,a feedback (FB) control unit 74-1, and a modulation unit 78-1.

Subtraction unit 72-1 subtracts a detection value of voltage Vh fromtarget voltage VR and outputs the result of calculation to FB controlunit 74-1. FB control unit 74-1 calculates an FB compensation amountbased on the output from subtraction unit 72-1 and outputs the result ofcalculation to subtraction unit 76-1. For example, FB control unit 74-1performs proportional integral operation based on the output fromsubtraction unit 72-1 and outputs the result of operation to subtractionunit 76-1.

Subtraction unit 76-1 subtracts the output from FB control unit 74-1from a reciprocal of a theoretical boost ratio of first converter 12-1expressed as (voltage Vb1)/(target voltage VR) and outputs the result ofcalculation as a duty instruction to modulation unit 78-1. It is notedthat an input term in subtraction unit 76-1 (Vb1/VR) is a feedforward(FF) compensation term based on the theoretical boost ratio of firstconverter 12-1.

Modulation unit 78-1 generates drive signal PWC1 based on the dutyinstruction output from subtraction unit 76-1 and carrier wavesgenerated by a not-shown oscillation unit and outputs generated drivesignal PWC1 to first converter 12-1.

Second control unit 70-2 includes subtraction units 72-2 and 76-2, a FBcontrol unit 74-2, a modulation unit 78-2, a division unit 80, andswitches 82 and 84.

Switch 82 outputs a detection value of voltage Vb2 to division unit 80while switching signal SW from slave switching control unit 56 (FIG. 5)is inactivated (second power storage device 10-2 is being used). On theother hand, switch 82 outputs a detection value of voltage Vb3 todivision unit 80 while switching signal SW is activated (third powerstorage device 10-3 is being used). Division unit 80 divides targetelectric power PR by the output from switch 82 and outputs the result ofcalculation to subtraction unit 72-2 as a target current IR.

Switch 84 outputs a detection value of current Ib2 to subtraction unit72-2 while switching signal SW is inactivated. On the other hand, switch84 outputs a detection value of current Ib3 to subtraction unit 72-2while switching signal SW is activated. Subtraction unit 72-2 subtractsthe output from switch 84 from target current IR and outputs the resultof calculation to FB control unit 74-2. FB control unit 74-2 calculatesan FB compensation amount based on the output from subtraction unit 72-2and outputs the result of calculation to subtraction unit 76-2. Forexample, FB control unit 74-2 performs proportional integral operationbased on the output from subtraction unit 72-2 and outputs the result ofoperation to subtraction unit 76-2.

Subtraction unit 76-2 subtracts the output from FB control unit 74-2from a reciprocal of a theoretical boost ratio of second converter 12-2expressed as (voltage Vb2)/(target voltage VR) and outputs the result ofcalculation as a duty instruction to modulation unit 78-2. It is notedthat an input term in subtraction unit 76-2 (Vb2/VR) is a feedforwardcompensation term based on the theoretical boost ratio of secondconverter 12-2.

Modulation unit 78-2 generates drive signal PWC2 based on the dutyinstruction output from subtraction unit 76-2 and carrier wavesgenerated by a not-shown oscillation unit and outputs generated drivesignal PWC2 to second converter 12-2.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for illustrating a control structure of converterECU 22 shown in FIG. 1. Processing in the flowchart is invoked from amain routine and performed every prescribed time or each time aprescribed condition is satisfied.

Referring to FIG. 10, converter ECU 22 determines whether the runningmode is set to the CD mode or the CS mode (step S10). As describedabove, when the driver turns on CD cancel switch 24, the running mode isset to the CS mode, and when SOC of each power storage device attains tothe lower limit value as well, the running mode is set to the CS mode.Otherwise, the running mode is set to the CD mode.

When it is determined in step S10 that the running mode is set to the CDmode (“CD” in step S10), converter ECU 22 executes a sub routine inwhich electric power allocation control for the CD mode is carried out(step S20). On the other hand, when it is determined in step S10 thatthe running mode is set to the CS mode (“CS” in step S10), converter ECU22 executes a sub routine in which electric power allocation control forthe CS mode is carried out (step S30).

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for illustrating a structure of the sub routinefor controlling CD mode electric power allocation shown in FIG. 10.Referring to FIG. 11, converter ECU 22 calculates available dischargeelectric power amount R1 of first power storage device 10-1, availabledischarge electric power amount R2 of second power storage device 10-2and available discharge electric power amount R3 of third power storagedevice 10-3, by using the equations (1) to (3) above (step S110).Thereafter, converter ECU 22 calculates the sum of available dischargeelectric power amounts R2 and R3 on the slave side (step S120). Then,converter ECU 22 calculates electric power allocation ratio (dischargeallocation ratio) R1:(R2+R3) based on the result of calculation in stepsS110 and S120 (step S130).

In succession, converter ECU 22 calculates acceptable charge electricpower amount C1 of first power storage device 10-1 by using the equation(4) above (step S140). Thereafter, converter ECU 22 determines whetherthe power storage device currently electrically connected to secondconverter 12-2 by means of switching device 18 on the slave side issecond power storage device 10-2 or third power storage device 10-3,based on switching signal SW (step S150).

When it is determined that second power storage device 10-2 iselectrically connected to second converter 12-2 (“second” in step S150),converter ECU 22 calculates acceptable charge electric power amount C2of second power storage device 10-2 (step S160). On the other hand, whenit is determined in step S150 that third power storage device 10-3 iselectrically connected to second converter 12-2 (“third” in step S150),converter ECU 22 calculates acceptable charge electric power amount C3of third power storage device 10-3 by using the equation (5) above (stepS170).

When second power storage device 10-2 is electrically connected tosecond converter 12-2, converter ECU 22 calculates electric powerallocation ratio (charge allocation ratio) C1:C2 based on calculatedacceptable charge electric power amounts C1 and C2. On the other hand,when third power storage device 10-3 is electrically connected to secondconverter 12-2, converter ECU 22 calculates electric power allocationratio (charge allocation ratio) C1:C3 based on acceptable chargeelectric power amounts C1 and C3 (step S180).

Thereafter, converter ECU 22 determines whether vehicle request power Psreceived from MG-ECU 40 of drive force generation portion 2 has apositive value or not (step S190). When it is determined that vehiclerequest power Ps has a positive value (YES in step S190), converter ECU22 generates drive signals PWC1 and PWC2 for driving first converter12-1 and second converter 12-2 respectively in accordance with theelectric power allocation ratio (discharge allocation ratio) calculatedin step S130, with the method described above (step S200).

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S190 that vehiclerequest power Ps does not have a positive value (NO in step S190),converter ECU 22 generates drive signals PWC1 and PWC2 in accordancewith the electric power allocation ratio (charge allocation ratio)calculated in step S180, with the method described above (step S210).

Then, converter ECU 22 outputs drive signals PWC1 and PWC2 generated instep S200 or step S210 to first converter 12-1 and second converter 12-2respectively, and controls first converter 12-1 and second converter12-2 (step S220).

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for illustrating a structure of the sub routinefor controlling CS mode electric power allocation shown in FIG. 10.Referring to FIG. 12, converter ECU 22 latches SOC of each power storagedevice at the time when transition from the CD mode to the CS mode ismade (step S310). It is noted that the SOC latched at this time is setas the target SOC in the CS mode.

Thereafter, converter ECU 22 determines whether the power storage devicecurrently electrically connected to second converter 12-2 by means ofswitching device 18 on the slave side is second power storage device10-2 or third power storage device 10-3, based on switching signal SW(step S320).

When it is determined that second power storage device 10-2 iselectrically connected to second converter 12-2 (“second” in step S320),converter ECU 22 calculates the electric power allocation ratio(discharge allocation ratio and charge allocation ratio) such that SOCsof first power storage device 10-1 and second power storage device 10-2are maintained at the target SOC, with the method described above (stepS330). On the other hand, when it is determined in step S320 that thirdpower storage device 10-3 is electrically connected to second converter12-2 (“third” in step S320), converter ECU 22 calculates the electricpower allocation ratio (discharge allocation ratio and charge allocationratio) such that SOCs of first power storage device 10-1 and third powerstorage device 10-3 are maintained at the target SOC (step S340).

Thereafter, converter ECU 22 determines whether vehicle request power Psreceived from MG-ECU 40 of drive force generation portion 2 has apositive value or not (step S350). When it is determined that vehiclerequest power Ps has a positive value (YES in step S350), converter ECU22 generates drive signals PWC1 and PWC2 in accordance with the electricpower allocation ratio (discharge allocation ratio) calculated in stepS330, with the method described above (step S360).

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S350 that vehiclerequest power Ps does not have a positive value (NO in step S350),converter ECU 22 generates drive signals PWC1 and PWC2 in accordancewith the electric power allocation ratio (charge allocation ratio)calculated in step S340, with the method described above (step S370).

Then, converter ECU 22 outputs drive signals PWC1 and PWC2 generated instep S360 or step S370 to first converter 12-1 and second converter 12-2respectively, and controls first converter 12-1 and second converter12-2 (step S380).

As described above, according to the present embodiment, as SOC ofsecond power storage device 10-2 attains to the lower limit value, thirdpower storage device 10-3 is connected to second converter 12-2 by meansof switching device 18, so that second power storage device 10-2 andthird power storage device 10-3 are sequentially switched for use.During the CD mode, first and second converters 12-1 and 12-2 arecontrolled in accordance with the electric power allocation ratio forthe CD mode. On the other hand, during the CS mode, first and secondconverters 12-1 and 12-2 are controlled in accordance with the electricpower allocation ratio for the CS mode, that is different from theelectric power allocation ratio for the CD mode. Therefore, according tothe present embodiment, appropriate electric power management inaccordance with the CD mode and the CS mode can be achieved.

During the CD mode, since the electric power allocation ratio (dischargeallocation ratio) is calculated in accordance with a ratio between theamount of charge of first power storage device 10-1 and the sum of theamounts of charge of second power storage device 10-2 and third powerstorage device 10-3, such a case that any of first power storage device10-1 and second and third power storage devices 10-2 and 10-3sequentially switched for use reaches the discharge limit earlier thanthe other can be suppressed.

In addition, during the CS mode, as SOC at the time when the runningmode makes transition from the CD mode to the CS mode is maintained,such a case that any of first power storage device 10-1 and second andthird power storage devices 10-2 and 10-3 sequentially switched for usereaches the discharge limit earlier than the other can be suppressedalso after returning to the CD mode.

In the embodiment above, regarding the power storage device on the slaveside, it is assumed that second power storage device 10-2 is used priorto third power storage device 10-3, however, third power storage device10-3 may be used first. Alternatively, each time a vehicle system isstarted up, a power storage device to be used first may be switched.

In addition, in the description above, with regard to second converter12-2, target current IR is calculated based on target electric power PR,and current FB control based on a difference between calculated targetcurrent IR and the detection value of the current sensor is carried out.Alternatively, actual electric power input and output to/from a powerstorage device being used on the slave side may be calculated andelectric power FB control based on a difference between target electricpower PR and the calculated actual electric power may be carried out.

Moreover, in the description above, first converter 12-1 is subjected tovoltage FB control and second converter 12-2 is subjected to current FBcontrol (electric power FB control is also applicable). Alternatively,first converter 12-1 may be subjected to current FB control (or electricpower FB control) and second converter 12-2 may be subjected to voltageFB control.

Further, an example where two power storage devices on the slave sideare provided is illustrated above, however, three or more power storagedevices on the slave side may be provided.

In addition, in the description above, drive force generation portion 2includes first MG 32-1 and second MG 32-2, however, the number of MGsincluded in drive force generation portion 2 is not limited to two.

Moreover, in the description above, a series/parallel type hybridvehicle in which motive power of engine 36 is split by power splitdevice 34 and the split power can be transmitted to driving wheel 38 andfirst MG 32-1 is illustrated, however, the present invention is alsoapplicable to hybrid vehicles of other types. Specifically, for example,the present invention is also applicable to what is called a series typehybrid vehicle in which engine 36 is used only for driving first MG 32-1and second MG 32-2 alone generates drive force of the vehicle, a hybridvehicle in which only regenerative energy out of kinetic energygenerated by engine 36 is recovered as electric energy, a motor-assistedtype hybrid vehicle in which an engine serves as a main motive powersource and a motor assists the engine as necessary, and the like.

Further, the present invention is also applicable to an electric carthat runs only with electric power without including engine 36 and afuel cell car including a fuel cell in addition to a power storagedevice as a power supply.

In the description above, main positive bus MPL and main negative busMNL correspond to embodiments of the “power line” in the presentinvention, and first converter 12-1 and second converter 12-2 correspondto embodiments of the “first converter” and the “second converter” inthe present invention, respectively. In addition, first power storagedevice 10-1 corresponds to one embodiment of the “first power storagedevice” in the present invention, and second power storage device 10-2and third power storage device 10-3 correspond to one embodiment of a“plurality of second power storage devices” in the present invention.

Moreover, converter ECU 22 corresponds to one embodiment of the “controldevice” in the present invention, and slave switching control unit 56corresponds to one embodiment of the “switching control unit” in thepresent invention. Further, CD mode electric power allocation ratiocalculation unit 58 corresponds to one embodiment of the “first electricpower allocation ratio calculation unit” in the present invention, andCS mode electric power allocation ratio calculation unit 60 correspondsto one embodiment of the “second electric power allocation ratiocalculation unit” in the present invention. Furthermore, switching unit62, instruction generation unit 64 and drive signal generation unit 66correspond to one embodiment of the “converter control unit” in thepresent invention, and system relays RY1 and RY2 correspond to oneembodiment of a “plurality of relays” in the present invention.

Although the present invention has been described and illustrated indetail, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of illustrationand example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation, the scopeof the present invention being interpreted by the terms of the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A power supply system mounted on a vehicle whichruns while switching between a first running mode of running usingelectric power stored for running without maintaining said electricpower and a second running mode of running while maintaining saidelectric power at a prescribed target, comprising: a power line forsupplying and receiving electric power between a drive force generationportion for generating drive force for running upon receiving electricpower from the power supply system; first and second convertersconnected in parallel to said power line; a first rechargeable powerstorage device connected to said first converter; a plurality of secondrechargeable power storage devices; a switching device provided betweensaid plurality of second power storage devices and said secondconverter, configured to connect any one of said plurality of secondpower storage devices to said second converter in accordance with aprovided instruction; and a control device for controlling said firstand second converters and said switching device, and said control deviceincluding a switching control unit for generating said instruction forsequentially switching for use said plurality of second power storagedevices such that, when a state quantity indicating a charged state ofthe second power storage device connected to said second converter islower than a predetermined value, a remaining one of said second powerstorage devices of which state quantity is not lower than saidpredetermined value is connected to said second converter, andoutputting said instruction to said switching device, a first electricpower allocation ratio calculation unit for calculating a first electricpower allocation ratio indicating a ratio of allocation of charge anddischarge electric power between said first power storage device and thesecond power storage device connected to said second converter by saidswitching device, that is to be used during said first running mode, asecond electric power allocation ratio calculation unit for calculatinga second electric power allocation ratio different from said firstelectric power allocation ratio, to be used during said second runningmode, and a converter control unit for controlling said first and secondconverters in accordance with said first electric power allocation ratioduring said first running mode and controlling said first and secondconverters in accordance with said second electric power allocationratio during said second running mode, and said first electric powerallocation ratio calculation unit calculating said first electric powerallocation ratio in accordance with a ratio between an availabledischarge electric power amount of said first power storage device and asum of available discharge electric power amounts of said plurality ofsecond power storage devices when electric power is supplied from thepower supply system to said drive force generation portion, andcalculating said first electric power allocation ratio in accordancewith a ratio between an acceptable charge electric power amount of saidfirst power storage device and an acceptable charge electric poweramount of the second power storage device connected to said secondconverter when electric power is supplied from said drive forcegeneration portion to the power supply system.
 2. The power supplysystem according to claim 1, wherein said second electric powerallocation ratio calculation unit calculates said second electric powerallocation ratio such that an amount of charge of said first powerstorage device and an amount of charge of the second power storagedevice connected to said second converter are maintained.
 3. The powersupply system according to claim 2, wherein said second electric powerallocation ratio calculation unit calculates said second electric powerallocation ratio such that the amount of charge of said first powerstorage device and the amount of charge of the second power storagedevice connected to said second converter when transition from saidfirst running mode to said second running mode is made are maintained.4. The power supply system according to claim 1, wherein said convertercontrol unit includes a first control unit for controlling said firstconverter such that a voltage on said power line is adjusted to aprescribed target voltage, and a second control unit for controllingsaid second converter such that charge and discharge of the second powerstorage device connected to said second converter is adjusted to aprescribed target amount.
 5. The power supply system according to claim1, wherein said switching device includes a plurality of relaysconnected between respective ones of said plurality of second powerstorage devices and said second converter.
 6. The power supply systemaccording to claim 1, further comprising a charger for charging saidfirst power storage device and said plurality of second power storagedevices upon receiving electric power from a power supply outside thevehicle.
 7. A power supply system mounted on a vehicle which runs whileswitching between a first running mode of running using electric powerstored for running without maintaining said electric power and a secondrunning mode of running while maintaining said electric power at aprescribed target, comprising: a power line for supplying and receivingelectric power between a drive force generation portion for generatingdrive force for running upon receiving electric power from the powersupply system; first and second converters connected in parallel to saidpower line; a first rechargeable power storage device connected to saidfirst converter; a plurality of second rechargeable power storagedevices; a switching device provided between said plurality of secondpower storage devices and said second converter, configured to connectany one of said plurality of second power storage devices to said secondconverter in accordance with a provided instruction; and a controldevice for controlling said first and second converters and saidswitching device, and said control device including: a switching controlunit for generating said instruction for sequentially switching for usesaid plurality of second power storage devices such that, when a statequantity indicating a charged state of the second power storage deviceconnected to said second converter is lower than a predetermined value,a remaining one of said second power storage devices of which statequantity is not lower than said predetermined value is connected to saidsecond converter, and outputting said instruction to said switchingdevice, and a converter control unit that controls said first and secondconverters such that said state quantity of said first power storagedevice and said state quantity of the second power storage device lastconnected to said second converter by said switching devicesimultaneously attain to said predetermined value during said firstrunning mode and controlling said first and second converters such thatsaid state quantity of said first power storage device and said statequantity of the second power storage device connected to said secondconverter by said switching device are maintained during said secondrunning mode.
 8. A vehicle, comprising: the power supply systemaccording to claim 1; said drive force generation portion generatesdrive force of said vehicle upon receiving said electric power from saidpower supply system.
 9. A method of controlling a power supply systemmounted on a vehicle which runs while switching between a first runningmode of running using electric power stored for running withoutmaintaining said electric power and a second running mode of runningwhile maintaining said electric power at a prescribed target, said powersupply system including: a power line for supplying and receivingelectric power between a drive force generation portion for generatingdrive force for running upon receiving electric power from the powersupply system, first and second converters connected in parallel to saidpower line, a first rechargeable power storage device connected to saidfirst converter, a plurality of second rechargeable power storagedevices, and a switching device provided between said plurality ofsecond power storage devices and said second converter, configured toconnect any one of said plurality of second power storage devices tosaid second converter in accordance with a provided instruction, themethod comprising the steps of: controlling said switching device suchthat, when a state quantity indicating a charged state of the secondpower storage device connected to said second converter is lower than apredetermined value, a remaining one of second power storage devices ofwhich state quantity is not lower than said predetermined value isconnected to said second converter; calculating a first electric powerallocation ratio indicating a ratio of allocation of charge anddischarge electric power between said first power storage device and thesecond power storage device connected to said second converter by saidswitching device, that is to be used during said first running mode;calculating a second electric power allocation ratio different from saidfirst electric power allocation ratio, to be used during said secondrunning mode; and controlling said first and second converters inaccordance with said first electric power allocation ratio during saidfirst running mode and controlling said first and second converters inaccordance with said second electric power allocation ratio during saidsecond running mode, in said step of calculating a first electric powerallocation ratio, when electric power is supplied from said power supplysystem to said drive force generation portion, said first electric powerallocation ratio being calculated in accordance with a ratio between anavailable discharge electric power amount of said first power storagedevice and a sum of available discharge electric power amounts of saidplurality of second power storage devices, and when electric power issupplied from said drive force generation portion to said power supplysystem, said first electric power allocation ratio being calculated inaccordance with a ratio between an acceptable charge electric poweramount of said first power storage device and an acceptable chargeelectric power amount of the second power storage device connected tosaid second converter.
 10. The method of controlling a power supplysystem according to claim 9, wherein in said step of calculating asecond electric power allocation ratio, said second electric powerallocation ratio is calculated such that an amount of charge of saidfirst power storage device and an amount of charge of the second powerstorage device connected to said second converter are maintained. 11.The method of controlling a power supply system according to claim 10,wherein in said step of calculating a second electric power allocationratio, said second electric power allocation ratio is calculated suchthat the amount of charge of said first power storage device and theamount of charge of the second power storage device connected to saidsecond converter when transition from said first running mode to saidsecond running mode is made are maintained.
 12. The method ofcontrolling a power supply system according to claim 9, wherein in saidstep of controlling said first and second converters, said firstconverter is controlled such that a voltage on said power line isadjusted to a prescribed target voltage, and said second converter iscontrolled such that charge and discharge of the second power storagedevice connected to said second converter is adjusted to a prescribedtarget amount.
 13. A method of controlling a power supply system mountedon a vehicle which runs while switching between a first running mode ofrunning using electric power stored for running without maintaining saidelectric power and a second running mode of running while maintainingsaid electric power at a prescribed target, said power supply systemincluding a power line for supplying and receiving electric powerbetween a drive force generation portion for generating drive force forrunning upon receiving electric power from the power supply system,first and second converters connected in parallel to said power line, afirst rechargeable power storage device connected to said firstconverter, a plurality of second rechargeable power storage devices, anda switching device provided between said plurality of second powerstorage devices and said second converter, configured to connect any oneof said plurality of second power storage devices to said secondconverter in accordance with a provided instruction, the methodcomprising the steps of: controlling said switching device such that,when a state quantity indicating a charged state of the second powerstorage device connected to said second converter is lower than apredetermined value, a remaining one of second power storage devices ofwhich state quantity is not lower than said predetermined value isconnected to said second converter; controlling said first and secondconverters such that said state quantity of said first power storagedevice and said state quantity of the second power storage device lastconnected to said second converter by said switching devicesimultaneously attain to said predetermined value during said firstrunning mode; and controlling said first and second converters such thatsaid state quantity of said first power storage device and said statequantity of the second power storage device connected to said secondconverter by said switching device are maintained during said secondrunning mode.